Apple updates 14-inch MacBook Pro and iMac with the M6 processor

Apple has updated the base 14-inch MacBook Pro and the iMac models with its latest generation M6 processor. The MacBook Pro was previously running the M5 chip from 2025 while the iMac was last updated in 2024 with the M4. The base 14-inch MacBook Pro model with the M6 processor gets a 12-core CPU with the 2+4+6 layout as well as a 12-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in each core and hardware accelerated ray tracing support.

There’s also a separate dual 16-core Neural Engine. The base configuration includes 16GB unified memory that can be configured to 24GB or 32GB. Apple updates 14-inch MacBook Pro and iMac with the M6 processor.

Only the latter two memory configurations get the full 170GB/s memory bandwidth, while the base 16GB option gets 153GB/s memory bandwidth. As for storage, you get 1TB as standard, with options for 2TB and 4TB being available. Aside from the M6, the 14-inch MacBook Pro also gets the new Apple N1 wireless networking chip, which upgrades the Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi7 802.11be, and Bluetooth 6.

Apple today replaced the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with a new M6 model, bringing more CPU and GPU cores, upgraded wireless connectivity, and more. How much has changed, and is it worth upgrading or choosing the newer model.

Today Apple unveiled a new 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 chip. It has the same design as before and many of the same features, so what’s actually changed.

The M6 ‌MacBook Pro‌ retains the previous model’s design and most of its specifications, concentrating its improvements on processing performance and connectivity. Both models offer 16GB of starting memory, 1TB of starting storage, and up to 24 hours of battery life.

M6 MacBook Pro vs M5 MacBook Pro: What’s actually changed. Apple unveils new 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by M6 Chance Miller Oct 27 2026.

The M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌ originally launched at $1,599 with 512GB of storage. Apple removed that configuration in March, making 1TB standard and increasing the starting price to $1,699.

A further price increase in June brought it to $1,999 amid rising memory and storage costs. The M6 replaces that model at the same price.

Here are all of the differences between the entry-level M5 and M6 ‌MacBook Pro‌ models: 14-Inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ (M5, 2025) 14-Inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ (M6, 2026) M5 chip made with TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process (N3P) M6 chip made with TSMC’s first-generation 2nm process (N2) FinFET transistors Gate-all-around nanosheet transistors 10-core CPU 12-core CPU 4 super cores and 6 efficiency cores 2 super cores, 4 performance cores, and 6 efficiency cores 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator in every core 12-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator in every core Enhanced shader cores Updated shader core architecture Second-generation Dynamic Caching Third-generation Dynamic Caching 16-core Neural Engine Dual 16-core Neural Engine, totaling 32 cores 153GB/s memory bandwidth across all memory configurations 16GB memory: 153GB/s 24GB or 32GB memory: 170GB/s Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 6 Broadcom wireless networking chip Apple N1 wireless networking chip Thread networking support Supports two external 4K displays at up to 144Hz each Supports two external 4K displays at up to 165Hz each Originally offered with 512GB storage; started with 1TB from March 2026 Starts with 1TB storage Originally $1,599; $1,699 from March and $1,999 from June; now discontinued by Apple Starts at $1,999 Should You Upgrade From the M5 MacBook Pro. For existing M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌ owners, there is very little reason to upgrade.

The M6 is a small refresh aimed primarily at buyers replacing a much older machine, with improvements to performance and connectivity that leave the overall experience essentially unchanged. It offers no increase in memory capacity, additional ports, or longer battery life.

If the M5 model already handles your work comfortably, the newer model provides little practical incentive to replace it. If your current computer can last a little longer, it may also be worth waiting.

A redesigned entry-level ‌MacBook Pro‌ with an M7 chip is reportedly planned for as early as the first half of 2027, potentially offering a more substantial upgrade than the M6 refresh. Should You Buy the M5 or M6 MacBook Pro.

For buyers replacing an Intel-based Mac or an older Apple silicon machine, the M5 and M6 deliver much the same experience. The more consequential improvements come from the hardware they share, so the price and configuration should carry more weight than the chip generation.